Biodiversity Terms

A glossary of definitions for terms relating to biodiversity, ecosystems services and conservation.

All definitions are referenced, where possible preference has been given to internationally recognised definitions (for example those defined by international conventions or agreements). The terms have been chosen to support understanding of biodiversity and conservation issues, and terms relating to biodiversity loss are complemented by those relating to conservation responses supported by international conservation organisations, governments, scientists and business sectors.

More detailed explanations are provided for a number of key terms, to provide further background information.

The terms can be filtered by category to aid in the navigation of the many definitions.

Conservation

Definition

Active management of the biosphere to ensure the survival of the maximum diversity of species and the maintenance of genetic variability within species. It includes the maintenance of biosphere function e.g. nutrient cycling and ecosystem function. The term also includes the concept of sustainable resource use so that the environment may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to current generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. Conservation of species and biological processes must be simultaneous with conservation of abiotic resources or it is unlikely to succeed.

Adapted from Oxford Dictionary of Ecology 20101 and World Resources Institute (WRI), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) & United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 19922